Freemasonry In Bath, 1724-1733.

cities doing any legislative work before then . There was , however , an old " lodge at York meeting in 1724 , but not as a Grand Lodge until 1725 . It was never at enmity with the Grand Lodge of England ( London ) , and was known as " the Grand Lodge of All England , held in the city of York . " Some years later it issued warrants for lodges , but never for anv part of the West of England , and

mainly confined its operations to the neighbourhood of Yorkshire . There was another Grand Lodge , which sprang out of a secession from the regular Grand Lodge ( or "Moderns" ) , and was known as the "Ancients , " " York Masons , " or " Athol Masons . " This body , however , never did any work that is known until 1750 , and after then many lodges in England were

started , such as at Bristol in 1753—all , however , long after No . 2 S , Bath , was formed , and years after the present No . 41 was warranted . Save then any independent old lodges not meeting by warrants from the Grand Lodge of England ( and those being all north of the city of Bath or cast thereof ) , Bath was the first city that had a regular Masonic lodge out of the London district , and was the first

ever warranted hi the country by the Grand Lodge . This lodge assembled to about iS 3 () , and as the present No . 41 was constituted in 1733 by a warrant from the same Grand Lodge , it is quite clear , as the latter has regularly met as a lodge ever since , that Freemasonry has existed in the city of Bath from the year ij 24 continiioitsly to 1 SS 0 , which is more than can be said for any other city or town in

the country . Bro . Gould has traced a list of members of No . 2 S , Bath , from 1725 , with additions to 1729 . Unfortunately he cannot find any later list in the returns of lodges to Grand Lodge , or doubtless we should find several brethren who belonged to No . 2 S , and started the present No . 41 in the year 1732 . We have discovered only one so far , viz ., Bro .

St . John Smith ( or Smyth ) , who is mentioned in the early records of the " Royal Cumberland Lodge . " In the return of the No . 2 S Lodge to the Grand Lodge , A . D . 1725 , His Grace the Duke of St . Albans was Master , and the Rev . George Vesey and Erasmus Earl , Esq ., Wardens . The list of members from 1725 to 1729 comprises the following brethren : —

Queen ' s Head , Bath . ( Copied from the Register , igth October , 1 SS 0 . ) His Grace Duke of St . Albans , Master . * Rev . Mr . Geo . Vesey 7 ,,, „ , * Erasmus Earl , Esq / j Wardens . * Dr . Edward Harrington . Thomas Selfe . Tarn . Leake . * Charles Stone . Miloe Smith .

'Lord Viscount Cobham . * John Lord Harvey . ( Rich . Nash . Knox Ward . T 7 „„ 3 Tho . Mee . * Wm . Bristow . Lsq -1 * Geo . Dashwood . * Hugh Barker . I . * Tho . Gore . Win . Chamber . Colonel Robt . Reading .

Rev . Mr . John Boswcu . Titos . Thailer . Saml . I ' ve . John Granoe . St . John Smith . \ Vm . Barwcll . * Saml . Bush . Edwd . Cookcy . Sir John Buckworth . Frd . Bave . Rev . Mr . Markhall . Mr . Tho . Short . Tho . Clark , andCh . Boone , Esqrs . Wriothcslcy , Duke of Bedford .

Win . Aglionby . Frd . Lewis , Hsqs . Geo . Henry Earl of Litchfield . Wm . Lord Craven . Sir Humphrey Manoux , Bart . Sir Robert Walter , Bart . r . C James Marrett . Ls , 5- 1 * ' Kichard Hare Chester . NOTES .

I see that Baron and Viscount Cobham was afterwards Duke of Buckingham . Baron Harvey •creation of 1703 — was afterwards Marquess of Bristol . Sir John Buckworth—creation of 1697—is now Buckworth—Hearne—Soamc . The Duke of St . Albans' present successor is Prov . Grand Master Nottinghamshire .

I have pleasure in stating that I have obtained the only spare copy lett ' of a lithograph facsimile of the Engraved List of 1725 ( worth more than its weight in gold ) from Bro . General Albert Pike of Washington City ' ( of the United States ) to present it to the Lodge No . 41 , and have sent it to the W . M . according !)' . 1 feel much indebted personally to Bro . R . F . Gouid . and Bro . General Pike for their kind and valued assistance . Truro , 3 rd December , 1 SS 0 . W . J . H .

NOTES ON THE ABOVE BY BRO . DR . H . HOPKINS . So far as the exhaustive researches of Bros . R . F . Gould and W . J . Hughan have extended , and on careful consideration of the evidence and the results thereof , the W . M . of No . 41 fails to see on what ground the latter eminent brother arrives at the conclusion that No . 2 S of the year 1723-4 " ceased to exist certainly not before 1736 . " In his

view the evidence seems to tend to a different result . Whereas the returns to Grand lodge'Jiad been regular up to 1729 , and none later can be found , that seems to commend itself as the date of the extinction of the lodge . Naturally some time might be required for winding up its affairs ; unavailing efforts were probably made to overcome the difficulties which , whatever they might be , led to so

sudden a disruption ; and the donation in 1732 of one guinea for ' ^ charity " might be some remaining balance in hand thus disposed of , at the very period when , without a shadow of doubt , arrangements were made to obtain the authorisation for another lodge , the Royal Cumberland , 113 , which may therefore fairly be considered as the immediate successor of No . 2 S , formed by some of those

who belonged to the latter , and of whom , as already stated , we find one name recorded , not only as a member , but as one of the petitioners for it . Bro . Hughan remarks that " unfortunately Bro . Gould cannot find any later list " of No . 2 S "in the returns of lodges to the Grand lodge " than the year 1729 . It might rather be said , fortunately , for

the argument as to the continuity of No . 113 ( the present 41 ) in direct succession from No . 2 S , as it goes to prove that the latter ceased to exist at that period , giving its place to No . 113 , the Royal Cumberland . The interval of two years is not an unreasonable time during which it may be presumed that repeated attempts were made to carry on the work by the original lodge . The continuance of the

Freemasonry In Bath, 1724-1733.

insertion' of No . 2 S on the Engraved Cist somewhat later than 1732 hardly seems to afford proof of actual working beyond that date . Even in the present day there are many instances of thenamesof lodges remaining on the calendar which have for some years been in abeyance , and have neglected to make returns to Grand lodge , possibly in the hope of revival ; such was much more likely to be the case at a period when communication was more difficult , and

the irregularities and scantiness of records were far greater than the ) ' now are , some of which are noted by Bro . Gould on p . 571 of the Freemason of December 25 th . The list of members of the Bath Lodge in 1725 is very remarkable , as it contains the names of so many persons of high rank . It must be remembered that at that period "The Bath" was the fashionable place of resort for the nobility and members of the Royal family during a

considerable portion of each year . Hence the early formation of a lodge here by those who took an active part in Masonic proccecdings in London was but natural . At the same time there must have been a large proportion of local members of the lodge , for on examination of the list by an old resident in Bath , he recognises the names of more than a fourth , who still have their representatives in gentlemen of repute in the city or its neighbourhood . H . H . 14 , Belvedere , Bath , December 2 Sth , 1 SS 0 .

Consecration Of The Earl Of Carnarvon Chapter, No. 1642.

CONSECRATION OF THE EARL OF CARNARVON CHAPTER , No . 1642 .

The chapter attached to the Earl of Carnarvon Lodge , No . 1642 , was consecrated on Saturday , the Sth inst ., at Ladbroke Hall , Notting-hill , by Comp . Shadwell H . Clerke , Grand Scribe E ., who was assisted by Comp . Lieut .-Col . Creaton , Grand Treasurer , acting as H ., and Comp . Rev .

C . W . Arnold , P . G . A . S ., acting as J ., and Comp . W . Stephens , P . Z ., G . Soj . Kent , & c , acting as Director of Ceremonies . The musical portion of the ceremony was conducted by Comp . Prof . Lott , assisted by Comps . J . L , Hodges , Alfred Kenningham , and E . J . Hoare . The chapter room presented a very tasteful appearance , the handsome and costly robes of the Principals and the banners and other appointments being much admired .

The ceremony commenced soon after four o ' clock , and there were present besides the companions named above , Comps . George Penn , M . E . Z . designate ; S . H . Parkhouse , H . designate ; W . ] . Murlis , P . Z . S 62 , J . designate ; Capt . N . G . Philips , P . G . N . ; . R . H . Pearson , 112 ; J . Michael , J . J . Cantle , H . J . Johnson , J . E . Carpenter , P . Z . ngG ; Major M . Thomson , 753 ; E . K . Kendall , 10 ; E . F . Hoare ,

2 57 ! J- Hodges , 19 ; Alfred Kenningham , 19 ; j . Williams , 17 G ; W . Williams , 176 ; W . Side , 1507 ; G . Davis , P . S . 1 S 5 ; J . S . Adkins . 733 ; F . G . Baker , P . Z . 753 ; T . J . Heath , 19 ; F . E . Pocock , 149 S ; S . Elborn , 1 S 5 ; H . Sadler , Z . 169 , Grand Janitor ; and W . Lake , P . O . Reg . Cornwall ( Freemason ) . After the formal opening of the convocation Comp .

Shadwell Clerke addressed the companions and paid a high compliment to the Earl of Carnarvon Lodge . The good ship , Lodge 1 G 42 , he said , well manned , had steered her way with such great credit , that the chapter which was about to be launched with the same crew as founders & c , could not fail to be prosperous ; he had no doubt whatever about the result and wished them every success .

After the usual formalities of theaddressoftheactingScnbe E ., the Consecrating Z . 's reply and directions , the reading of the petitions for the charter , the demand for the approval of the companions of the Principals named , and the assent of the companions , an able address was delivered by Comp . Rev . C . W . Arnold . After the address the Consecrating Officers proceeded with the remainder of the ceremony , and Comp . Shadwell

Clerke then installed Comp . Penn as M . E . Z . ; Comp . D . H . Parkhouse as II . ; and Comp . Murlis as J . The ballot was then taken for the Treasurer and other officers , and the following were duly elected and invested : Comps . E . M . Lander , Treas . ; R , . C . Green , Scribe E . ; S . Smout , Scribe N . ; F . C . Frye , Prin . Soj . ; James Bartle , 1 st Asst . Soj . ; Comp . Marsh acted as janitor .

The M . E . Z . then proposed that Comp . Colonel Shadwell Clerke , G . S . E ., & c , be elected a honorary companion of the chapter . This was seconded by Comp . PAUKHOUSE , and carried with acclamation . The M . E . Z . then proposed that E . Comps . Col . Creaton ,

Rev . C . W . Arnold , W . Stephens , and Prof . M . Lott be also elected honorary members , which was carried unanimously . Comp . COL . ; CREATON , on behalf of himself and the other companions , thanked them for the honour conferred on them .

The names of several brethren were proposed for membership , and a Committee was formed , composed of the founders , to prepare the bye-laws . Communications from Comp . Sir Albert Woods and others , regretting their inability to be present , were then read , and the chapter was closed . The companions then adjourned to an excellent banquet ,

prepared by Comp . Linscott , which was of the choicest description . The usual toasts followed . In proposing the toast of "The Queen and Royal Arch Masonry , " the M . E . Z . said that Royal Arch Masons prided themselves especially on their loyalty . In giving the toast of "The Prince of Wales , the M . E . Z . of the Order , " Comp . PENN said that in Royal Arch

Masonry , ' as in the Crait , H . K . H . iulmjcd his duties in an admirable manner , considering the many and pressing claims upon his time . The toast of " The Rest of the Grand Principals , the Earl of Carnarvon , the Earl of Lathom , and Lord De Tab-Icy , " followed , the M . E . Z . remarking that they were that evening honoured with the presence of two Grand Officers ,

Comps . Col . Clerke and Col . Creaton . It was well known to the companions how well the Grand Officers performed their duties . Some of them were called on to fill high offices of State , but this did not lessen their Masonic zeal . Comp . Col . CREATON , in responding , thanked the companions for so warmly receiving the toast of the Grand

Officers . With regard to the Earls of Carnarvon and Lathom , no words of his could add to the esteem and regard in which they were held by the entire Craft . The M . E . Z . had alluded to his connection with our noble Charities . Since he first had the pleasure and honour of being so connected they had made wonderful progress . Several years ago , when he was a Steward of the Boys' School ,

Consecration Of The Earl Of Carnarvon Chapter, No. 1642.

they raised about £ 1600 . Now they raised £ 14 , 000 , but the Craft was now vastly larger , and it was to be expected that the subscriptions to the Charities would increase in proportion . Nevertheless , more ought to be done . In looking over the list of contributions the same names would be found again and again . Many do not give at all ; everyone should give their mite—he said mite advisedly—and then a large sum would be collected without necessitating

the- continual visiting of lodges by the Secretaries of the Institutions . Comp . PENN next proposed "The Consecrating Officers , " which , he said , was the most important toast of the evening . The companions would be pleased to bear that the warrant was granted on the first application , so well did the Earl of Carnarvon Lodgestandathead quarters . They werehonoured by the presence of the Grand Scribe E ., Col . Clerke , which

reminded him of the consecration of the lodge by the then Grand Secretary , our lamented Bro . J . Hervey . He hoped that among his many pressing duties Col . Clerke would still find time to look in on them now and then . Col . CLERKE , HI rcpl )' , said that it had given him much pleasure to attendandperform theceremonyof consecration . He was very sorry that the reverend and eloquent Comp . Arnold had to leave at an early hour . He had come specially

from Woking to take part in the ceremony , and they all thoroughly appreciated and valued his services . He thanked them on behalf of bis colleagues , and for himself personally , he would say that when asked to be present he felt honoured by the request , and readily acquiesced . The lodge had been in existence four years , and as the same officers were going to pilot the new ship , there was no fear of their being anything but successful , and he was glad to come and help to

bring them into existence . It was usual for the First Principal to instal his successor , but as there was actually no P . Z ., he might be considered the P . Z . Their companion , the First Principal , had had a most stupendous jump ; he had got through the work of about three years in as many hours . It must have been a great trial to his nerves , but if he had quite recovered his equanimity he would ask him to respond . Comp . PENN , in replying , thanked Comp . Col . Clerke

for the kind remark's he had made ; he felt at a loss to express himself , but since he had heard that he h , ad satisfactorily performed the work of three years , during their present meeting it had given him confidence , and been a source of much gratification . He did not feel equal to the position , but had been much pressed to occupy the chair of First Principal , and trusted he should fulfil the duties with satisfaction to the chapter . He had taken great interest in the

lodge , which although a very young one , had been heard of in connection with the Charities , and had sent up a Steward each year ; he hoped the chapter would follow in the steps of the lodge in this respect . The M . E . Z . then proposed " The Health of the Second and Third Principals , Comps . Parkhouse and Murlis . " But for them , he said , he should not be in the position he then occupied . They were most energetic members of the lodge ,

and he felt sure that they would be equally so in the chapter . Comp . PARKHOUSE , in reply , heartily thanked the M . E . Z . for his kind expressions . Like his highly esteemed First Principal , it was after a great deal of pressure he undertook the duties of Second Principal , but having done so he would do his best to carry them out satisfactorily . Comp . MURLIS also returned thanks for the proud

position they had placed him in . Comp . Parkhouse had certainly prejudged his modesty . By some inadvertence he had dropped into the chair of J ., but as he was so placed he would go forward and do his duty . He was thought to be an ambitious man in Kensington ; he certainly was ambitious to do all he could for the benefit of Masonry and to promote the interests of the Craft . He would make one request to the members of the Earl of Carnarvon Chapter ,

and that was that they would come out every year and contribute what they could to the three great Charities ; this would be all the reward he wanted . He trusted the chapter , so auspiciously started , would flourish , and that it would have as good a name at the Grand Chapter as the " Earl of Carnarvon " had at Grand Lodge . Perfect unanimity had always existed in the lodge , and he felt sure it would be the same in the chapter . 1 f ever a spark of dissension had

appeared it had always been extinguished by that remedy called brotherly love . No black ball had ever been placed in the ballot box of the lodge , and he trusted that the same fraternal feeling would animate the companions of the chapter . The M . E . Z . then said that he had a toast to propose which was not down in the list , but , to his mind , it was one that should be received with all the honours . It was that

of " Comp . Stephens , " who had so ably assisted the Consecrating Officers as Director of Ceremonies . It was not only on that day that he had given his valuable services ; from the first he had always been ready with his advice . They had scarcely moved a step without consulting Comp . Stephens , and he trusted he would always continue to take the same interest in their welfare . Comp . STEPHENS , in thankinjrthe M . E . Z ,, said that as

modesty seemed to be the characteristic of that night s proceedings , he too would claim a share of their virtue . He thanked the M . E . Z . for associating his name with a special toast that evening . He had' been associated in Masonry with many around that table , nearly all , he believed , he had introduced into Arch Masonry , in the Whittington Chapter . He would always endeavour to do his duty in the Earl cf Carnarvon Chapter , as he trusted he had done in the lodge .

The toast of " The Officers " was . next given , and duly responded to by Comps . LANDER , Treasurer ; GREEN , Scribe E . ; and SMOUT , Scribe N . The Janitor ' s toast brought a very pleasant and successful meeting to a close . We must not omit to notice the excellence of the musical

arrangements , both at the consecration and at the banquet table they were admirably carried out . Professor . Lott was ably seconded by Comps . Hodges , Kenningham , and Hoare ; while Comp . Cantle very kindl y contributed to the pleasure of the evening by his inimitable rendering of the popular song , " The Midshipmite . "

Bro . H . A . Isaacs , C . C ., Master of the Lonners ' Company , with Bro . Alderman Knight and the Court of Assistants , have issued invitations to the Lord Mayor , and . Bros . Alderman and Sheriff Fowler , M . P ., and Sheriff Waterlow , to a banquet to be held on Monday week , the 24 th inst .